Microbiological parameters as indicators of compost maturity
Tiquia, SM
2005-01-01
Abstract
Aims: The objectives of this study were to determine the changes of microbial properties of pig manure collected from pens with different management strategies and composted using different turning and moisture regimes; relate their association with humification parameters and compost temperature; and identify the most suitable microbial indicators of compost maturity. Methods and Results: Six different microbial parameters, including total bacterial count, oxygen consumption rate, ATP content, dehydrogenase activity, and microbial biomass C and N, along with humification parameters [humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA) and HA: FA ratio] and compost temperature were monitored during composting. Significant positive correlations were found between temperature and microbial properties, including O2 consumption rate, ATP content, dehydrogenase activity, and microbial biomass N. The humification parameters also showed significant correlations with microbial properties of the manure compost. For instance, HA contents of pig manures was positively correlated with total aerobic heterotrophs, and microbial biomass N and C; and negatively correlated with O2 consumption rate, ATP content, and dehydrogenase activity. Among the six microbial parameters examined, dehydrogenase activity was the most important factor affecting compost temperature and humification parameters. Composting strategies employed in this study affected the speed of composting and time of maturation. If the moisture content is maintained weekly at 60% with a 4-day turning frequency, the pig manure will reach maturity in 56 days. Conclusions: The composting process went through predictable changes in temperature, microbial properties and chemical components despite differences in the initial pig manure and composting strategies used. Among the six microbial parameters used, dehydrogenase activity is the most suitable indicator of compost maturity. Compared with respiration rate, ATP content and microbial biomass procedures, dehydrogenase activity is the simplest, quickest, and cheapest method that can be used to monitor the stability and maturity of composts. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results presented here show that microbial parameters can be used in revealing differences between composts and compost maturity. The statistical relationship established between humification parameters and microbial parameters, particularly dehydrogenase activity, demonstrates that it is possible to monitor the composting process more easily and rapidly by avoiding longer and more expensive analytical procedures. © 2005 The Society for Applied Microbiology.Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
ISSN
1364-5072 1365-2672
Deep Blue DOI
Other DOIs
PMID
16162232
Subjects
Adenosine Triphosphate Aerobiosis Animal Husbandry Animals Benzopyrans Biomass Carbon Colony Count, Microbial Humic Substances Manure Nitrogen Oxidoreductases Oxygen Consumption Soil Microbiology Swine Temperature
Types
Article
Metadata
Show full item recordRemediation of Harmful Language
The University of Michigan Library aims to describe library materials in a way that respects the people and communities who create, use, and are represented in our collections. Report harmful or offensive language in catalog records, finding aids, or elsewhere in our collections anonymously through our metadata feedback form. More information at Remediation of Harmful Language.
Accessibility
If you are unable to use this file in its current format, please select the Contact Us link and we can modify it to make it more accessible to you.